KTM's New 850cc MotoGP Engine Roars to Life, But Will It Ever Actually Race?

KTM recently fired up its new 850cc MotoGP engine and tested it on a dyno. But plenty of uncertainty surrounds the brand's future in the sport.

Photo by: KTM

By: Robbie Bacon

Oct 8, 2025 at 7:36am ET

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Following KTM AG's journey since it declared bankruptcy at the start of the year has been wild. First, it was pulling out of MotoGP, then it wasn't, and more recently, a few rogue mechanical issues—like a chain flying off Pedro Acosta's bike mid-race—have led to speculation that KTM has already given up on progressing in MotoGP.

But the fact that the brand has just fired up an 850cc engine that's been designed for the new 2027 MotoGP ruleset should, at least somewhat, put the factory riders at ease. You've also got the fact that Guenther Steiner took over Tech3, which currently uses KTM machinery, so the brand showing that it has an engine on the way for 2027 could also help to ensure Steiner keeps using the machinery after the contract ends in 2026.

The initial dyno run of the 850cc powerplant took place at the dyno facility at the company’s Austrian HQ in Mattighofen, Austria, and the company's current CEO, Gottfried Neumeister, was there to witness the new unit firing into life.

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director, had this to say, “I am extremely happy that we could fire up the future of MotoGP already in September 2025. We are on a perfect time schedule to get the full bike up and running very soon. We have packed everything we have learned during the last years of MotoGP participation into this engine, and I am very confident that this piece of art will become a benchmark in the seasons to come from 2027. I want to thank the factory and the whole team behind the project for this massive effort.”

What do you think?

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The new engine will run on 100% non-fossil fuel, as per the 2027 rulebook, and you can watch it spinning up below.

The only question left to ask is: Will the fact that a 2027 engine is undergoing testing be enough to keep the likes of Guenther Steiner on board, and the KTM Factory and Tech3 riders from wanting to jump ship at the earliest opportunity? It's far too early to tell, though we're sure that KTM hopes it will.